Heidi Youseph led us in the flag salute.

There is a quorum present.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve the December 2025 consent agenda, as presented.  Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Danielle Santman moved the Board approve the January 2026 consent agenda, as presented. Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Evelyn Kann, FES/FMS ASB President presented her board report.

Overview

This year, ASB is focused on making sure every student feels a sense of belonging and connection at Freeman Elementary and Middle Schools. We are working to increase student voice and involvement, giving more opportunities for students to share ideas and lead activities. Our goals also include strengthening our partnership with Freeman High School, creating efficient processes for our work, and making sure we have fun along the way. Together, we want to build a school community where everyone feels included and engaged.

Areas of Focus

>Student Activities

            Successful Scottie Dash

Dances- Halloween & Winter (PTSG)

FMS Lunchtime Volleyball    

>Heart Grams will be coming up February 9th-13th to benefit Shriners Children’s of Spokane

>Scottie Dash Sponsorship Letters

>Communicating with Nutrition Services - students are sharing ideas with Mr. Beavers regarding new food items to try out  

>ASB Budget is being spent on student activities, rewards and sports equipment

Bill Morphy asked how much was raised at the Scottie Dash and it was $41,000.  

Greta Van Gemert, FHS ASB President presented her board report.

Overview

1st semester end recap 

Areas of Focus 

• Leadership for second semester has flipped a switch to focus on how can we change student mindset from "have to" to "get to"
• Introducing the Dawg Fight, which is similar to a rival game and something created out of our inability to get a commitment from other teams to set up a rivalry matchup; Greta has emailed Colfax Athletic Director of what we are going to do and we'll see what their participation is. 
• ASB purchased purple bands and glowsticks when we played Colfax recently to support one of their coaches diagnosed with cancer - community wore purple as well and it was well received
• MLK assembly went well
• Wrestling Snr night was last Thursday - overall working on promotion to get more students at events - trying incentives like free donuts
• Will continue working on student involvement as a focus for next year

Colton Orrino (Agriculture and FFA Advisor, and High School teacher) presented a proposal for an FFA Field Trip in March 2026 for our Freeman FFA Livestock Judging Team, which includes Briley Snyder, Clara Dawe and Lila Kadzejs.  If approved, they will fundraise for a trip to Loveland, Colorado to Colorado State University to attend the 2026 Blackout Livestock Evaluation Competition.  They have been practicing pretty much every Tuesday for the past few years, and there's not a lot of opportunity in the local area to practice their skills.  

Mr. Orrino presented the details of the trip, and Briley spoke about the why behind it.  FFA has changed her life and helped her become a better person.  She said she's a more well rounded individual who has improved her communication skills and strengthened her opinions.  Denver would provide a more competitive environment as Colorado has higher quality shows/animals than what's available in WA state.  They will be fundraising to local companies for the trip, and the FFA budget will cover the difference, as needed.  

This is the letter from the team submitted to the school board, in addition to budget planning documents.  

Dear Freeman School Board, 

Hello, we are the Freeman Livestock judging team and we are here to talk about the importance of FFA and how it has impacted our lives. 3 years ago we started our livestock judging journey as freshmen, practicing every Tuesday morning at school as well as additional practices during late starts and days off of school. Our team has competed at the Spokane Junior Livestock Show, FFA State Contest, for the last 3 years and we have traveled to Pullman and several other schools to get hands-on experience as well as some professional insight from ag instructors around the area. Through these past 3 years we have realized that online judging classes are only going to get us so far. To be exceptional livestock judges we must expand our horizons and put ourselves in different competitive environments. 

This year, our team is hoping to attend the Blackout judging show in Denver, Colorado. March 11 - 15, 2026. To help with the expenses, our team has written letters and plans to personally request community financial support. With our livestock judging coach Mandy Minick and our chaperone Carli Kadzejs, we will be able to use this opportunity to the fullest and become the best livestock judges Freeman has ever seen! 

Livestock Judging is not only looking at animals.  Through our 3 years of practice we have learned to become confident in our opinions and how to speak to a total stranger with poise and confidence. Being able to take advantage of an opportunity such as the Blackout Show will not only increase our livestock judging skills but also allow us to step out of our comfort zone and put our 3 years of hard-work to good use. The  skills we are learning in FFA today are those we can take into the future to ensure success in all we do.

Thank you,

Freeman FFA Livestock Judging Team

Everett Combs was presented with the Freeman Above and Beyond Award.  He has been here serving the district for more than 20 years and would do most anything for anyone.  He was nominated by Tawnya Becker and the Transportation Department.  Congratulations, Everett!

January is School Board Appreciation Month!  Dr. Russell discussed how grateful and thankful we are for their service to our community.  Mrs. Phelan showed what the Kindergarten, 1st grade and 5th grade appreciation signs were displayed and presented to the Board Members.  Mr. Straw presented an AI superimposed image of each board member into Freeman letterman's jackets, which got a good laugh.  The MS also produced "thank you" coasters that were 3d printed from the classroom.  And they put together a compilation of 20 years of excellence of accomplishments for the board to see.  The HS is finishing their project and will extend the love for the board into February.  

Treating people and ideas with justice and impartiality.  

Superintendent Russell was pleased to announce that four of our Hagan Opportunities Grant applications were awarded full funding for a total of $14,985.00!  

1. Kelly Neely – Student-Led Yearbook Program - $7,657 awarded
2. Barb Gady, Lisa Phelan & Morgan Odenthal – Scottie Bots - $678 awarded
3. Stacey Rawson, Amanda Kazmi & Hannah Warr – Shoebox Tasks to Support Special Needs - $1,150 awarded
4. Stacey Rawson and Joanna Yearta – School Communication/Inclusion Boards - $5,500 awarded

All grant recipients will be recognized at the Hagan Opportunities Reception on 4/16/26. Congratulations to the staff involved...it will be exciting to see the impact of these projects.   We are grateful for the Hagan Foundation for their support of innovation and education!

Overview

For the 2025-26 school year, Freeman Elementary School will continue to strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Our focus will be on refining practices within all three tiers to ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. Equally important, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging for all students, staff, and community members.

Areas of Focus

• During their January meeting, PTSG awarded over $6,000 in teacher grants!  Largest one was for Amy Beazer for ukuleles for the music program.  
• Our 2nd grade teaching team and Para Carli are preparing for the annual President’s Wax Museum, which will be on Friday, February 13th. This will also be the day that students Mr. Turk and Mr. Newcomb will spend time with Mrs. Phelan to experience being the Principal for the Day. 
• We have our Professional Learning Building PD during the late start on February 4th.  The time will be differentiated by grade-level bands to review student data from AimsWeb, CEE perceptual data, and reflect on the first semester.  Will set goals for second semester.  

Enrollment

TK = 39 and P3 = 5    K = 65 1st = 50  2nd = 66

3rd = 57   4th = 72   5th = 57= 411

Overview

For the 2025-26 school year, Freeman Middle School will continue to strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Our focus will be on refining practices within all three tiers to ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. Equally important, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging for all students, staff, and community members.

Areas of Focus

>Professional Development on 1/5 was an excellent review of emergency procedures, universal accommodations, and TK-8 Learning.  We have been working with the Principal at Liberty to develop the "Walks w/ Liberty" where our students will go visit Liberty and some of the Liberty staff will come visit Freeman.

>We had the Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly on Friday, 1/16.

>WSU Partnership in January

            6th & 7th Grade Family Night     8th Grade Mentorship (healthy relationships)   7th Grade Engagement (SLP focus and lab work)

>Aimsweb Benchmarking has begun.  

>The FMS Musical w/ Mrs. Thompson & Ms. Nelson is in full swing and the cast is set.  Currently rehearsing and going to showcase the HS Musical at the end of April.  

>The Robotics State competition was on Saturday, January 24th.  We do not have a report on how they did yet.  

>The 6th grade Math Is Cool competition is this Friday, January 30th at Mead - we are sending two teams.  

Enrollment

            6th- 57              7th- 73 (+1)      8th- 64              Total- 194 (+1)

Overview

For the 2025-26 school year, Freeman High School will continue to strengthen our Multi-Tiered 

System of Supports (MTSS) across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Our 

focus will be on refining practices within all three tiers to ensure that each student receives the 

support they need to thrive. Equally important, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of 

belonging for all students, staff, and community members. 

Areas of Focus

• On January 5th, professional development was provided regarding the threat assessment process, upcoming safety changes, and revised Emergency handbook.  This led to a review of the check in/out process at the HS, as well as a quick guide for the substitute books.   FHS also began an analysis of CEE data that will continue throughout the semester.
• Dawg for a Day has begun - this is when 8th grade students meet with a mentor student at the HS to experience life at the HS for part of a school day in preparation for the transition this fall.
• Knowledge Bowl - FHS is currently in 2nd place (out of 12); Regionals are on Feb. 20 @ EVHS.
• Skills USA Carpentry competition took place last week - waiting on scores.
• Preparing registration for next year - potential new courses:  Advanced Marketing and possibly DECA.  
• End of Semester 1 led to a focus on celebrating kids.  The HS has reinstituted an Honor Roll where they had 161 kids who had a 3.25GPA or better; grades are in and it was a successful semester.  
• Spokane Scholar Nominees (selected by staff):  Josiah Bessire - Math; Taylor Junke - WL; Mae Cashmere - Social Studies; Josiah Kahn - Fine Arts;  Kaylyn Swanson - ELA;  Ava Allyward - Science. 

Enrollment

9th = 68 (-1),  10th = 56,  11th = 74 (down 1 and gaining 1),  12th = 78 .  Total: 275

Overview

Winter Sports 

• Girls Basketball – 10-5 overall, 7-0 in league, #13 in the RPI.  Districts will start on 2/10 for the girls at WV.  Senior Night on 1/30 vs Lind/Ritzville.
• Boys Basketball – 10-5 overall, 4-3 in league, #16 in the RPI.  Districts would start on 2/7 for the boys at WV.  Senior Night on 1/30 vs Lind/Ritzville.  Working on staying healthy.  
• Wrestling – 3-0 in league, Won several tournaments as a team.  State Qualifying meet here at Freeman on 2/13 and 2/14.  Senior Night on 1/22.

Areas of Focus

• Winter sports regular season games winding down. 
• Dinner/Auction Fundraiser on March 14 at the CDA Casino.  
• JV baseball coach - 1 internal candidate interviewing this week. 
• JV volleyball coach - 1 internal candidate interviewing this week.
• Wrapping up spring non league games, working on fall non league games as well. 
• Spring Final Forms numbers (enrollment) are out soon - track upwards of 60; baseball 21-22; softball 11-14, golf around 40.  Reviewed the document regarding the use of 8th graders for participation to complete a roster at the HS.  We may need that for softball to make a varsity roster.  More to come - wanted it on the radar.  

Bill Morphy asked if other schools were expieriencing the same thing by sport - some are.

Danielle Santman asked if we're working on the camp options to build the youth program - is that an option for softball and tennis - great idea, it's all about timing for participation.  

Enrollment

• Boys Basketball - 26
• Girls Basketball - 18
• Boys Wrestling - 20
• Girls Wrestling - 1
• Cheer – 13

Overview

Work to improve programs and support our student athletes.

Participate in partnership with the Greater Spokane County League (GSCL).

Areas of Focus

• Boys Basketball: Red Varsity: 0-1, Red JV: 0-1;  Blue Varsity: 0-1, Blue JV: 1-0
• The colors help since we have crossover of grades on different teams.  Numbers are high for the rosters, so playing time is the hard part.  
• 3 weeks away from girls basketball season
• Still looking for head track coach for spring
• WSU peer-to-peer partnership update - about to do our last 4 lessons - 16 kids involved - first week of May is the culminating event at a ropes course. 

Enrollment

• FMS Boys Basketball - 52 
• Girls Basketball numbers now are in the mid-20s

Overview

Freeman SD Nutrition Services supports the philosophy of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and will provide wholesome and nutritious meals for our students.

Areas of Focus

1. Our Nutrition Services Intern began today, Monday, 1/26.  His name is Christopher Lopez-Rosas from WSU and he was introduced to the board.  He will have K-8 ASB and HS culinary class involvement.  
2. We ran out of USDA dollars for produce. We will be splitting produce orders between Charlie’s Produce and US Foods based on product pricing.
3. The new Food Pyramid was released. There is some concern it will impact schools negatively in terms of budget.  Will have to wait and see.  
4. It looks like whole milk will be coming back into school.  It will be optional and not required.  Need to look at budget implications.  

Overview

• "The students of Freeman are the heart of our community and the reason we serve. The Freeman School District Transportation Department is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and respectful transportation for all TK–12 students. We are committed to connecting home, school, and community, ensuring every student arrives ready to learn and thrive."

Areas of Focus

• We are pleased to announce that Jamie Goodlake has passed her CDL skills test so now she can start learning afternoon routes for subbing.
• State Patrol announced their surprise visit in January - it went well.  
• We are currently at:
  • 11 Regular Ed Routes
  • 1 SPED Route
  • 1T/K Route 
  • 2 McKinney-Vento Routes

Areas of Focus:

1. We are monitoring a failing boiler at the FES building until repairs are completed.  Life expectancy is 15 years and that's right where we are at.  It's leaking currently, but is back in operation until a full repair can be funded.  
2. Working on completion of the building assessment for PRTC/FES MPR in Icos under OSPI website.
3. Working with DOH to sample faucets in all schools for "lead free kids" compliance.  We have over 150 faucets to test, so will get creative on time as water needs to be stagnant at least 8 hours.  

Safety:

Todd and Kirk have attended a round table discussion at ESD101 about safety and security (with Dave Teague), and they are also scheduled to attend another training in February for the new safety and security manuals.

Overview

For the 2025-26 school year, Freeman Student Services Department will strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. Our focus will be on refining practices within all three tiers to ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive. Equally important, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging for all students, staff, and community members.

Areas of Focus and Enrollment

Area of Focus

Special Education

• Looking into better curriculum alignment K-12 for our students with complex cognitive needs. Not as much of a robust curriculum as we would prefer to have, so they are getting that in front of the Instructional Materials committee.  
• Our team continues to be incredibly creative and resourceful as we get more students in our district with unique and complex needs. Two more students coming in that need additional support as well.  
• 109 Students 

Multilingual Learners (MLL)

• WIDA (annual language development testing) begins next month. We are required to test all MLL students annually and notify families (in their home language) of results. Results inform eligibility for services for the following school year.
• 3 students

McKinney Vento/ Foster Youth

• We have 1 foster student in the district at this time and are working with DCYF to ensure stability and support for that student. 
• Foster students have rights similar to McKinney Vento due to the transitional nature of foster care.
• 19 students/ 1 students

Title 1/ Learning Assistance Program (LAP)

• Wonderful News! We have a few new para subs!
• AimsWeb screening for academics will begin this month K-8. We are adding an additional component that is required by OSPI in K-2 to better screen for signs of dyslexia. Families receive AimsWeb reports at spring conferences along with dyslexia information if their student is at-risk.
• 72 students (K-8)

Highly Capable

• Highly Capable Screening will begin in 2-3rd grade the week of January 26. Parents received letters this week offering an opt out if they wish. Scores will be shared with families at spring conferences.
• Annually, we are required to create a district HiCap plan and have it approved by the school board. Our plan for your review is in your board packet tonight.

Overview
Provide the highest quality technology-based services, in the most cost-effective manner, to help facilitate the FSD mission.

Areas of Focus

• We successfully launched the new Freeman School District website, providing a cleaner design, improved accessibility, and a more user-friendly experience for our entire community.
• We presented the updated Safety Manual and Technology Plan to the staff during the Professional development day to ensure transparency, alignment, and continued improvement in our districtwide safety practices.
• Begun the filing process for our 2026 E-Rate Form 470 to ensure we stay on timeline for bids and funding eligibility for Network Switching and Internet @ 60% Discount.

Mid-Year Update

• Dr. Russell discussed the great first semester and transition to second semester.  Feedback on finishing first semester before the winter break has been great where students and staff can really relax and have down time.  Feeling good on safety, security and tech plan this year.  

FSD Solar Project update

• Dr. Russell updated the board that the Solar Project is scheduled to begin next week.  He will keep them in the loop on logistics.  

• Cash Flow
• Enrollment

Dr. Russell updated the board that we are projected to finish the fiscal year at the end of August at 4.5% in reserve.  Our levy funds will start coming in starting in April, which is perfect timing as the repair for the boiler Mr. Lally mentioned earlier in the meeting is about $45,000. Really hoping we can keep it going for the next 3 months until the levy funds come in.  We anticipate spending about $500K in the next 6-9 months for safety, security and technology.  Pieces of this will include district mapping updates for emergency response, crosswalk updates, chromebooks, etc.  Dr. Russell is feeling good with cash flow and enrollment.  

Board Chair Annie Keebler opened it up to the Board Members asking for their feedback/thoughts on the Superintendent search process.  She said we had over 50 people participate on campus last week between staff, community, alumni, parents, and students regarding the superintendent search.  

Dave Teague commented that the board received more survey results than expected, which gave the board valuable insights with relevant information to set appropriate goals and expectations moving forward. The process overall went well.  He thanked those that took the time to share their thoughts as we got a great amount of feedback.  

Dave Teague moved the Board approve Board Policy & Procedure No. 5260 - 2nd Reading - Personnel Records, as presented.  Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Dave Teague moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 1815 - 2nd Reading - Personnel Records, as presented.  Nate Talbott seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

• Selection of the Superintendent
• The Board said they were planning to take action.
• Danielle Santman moved the Board select Lisa Phelan as Freeman's next Superintendent for the 2026-2027 School Year.  Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
• Dave Teague said based on the collective feedback that they heard they feel this is the best direction for the school.
• Bill Morphy feels we have someone with a proven track record of success, and aligns with the feedback we have received from the community.
• Danielle Santman said Lisa's vision is in line with the Board and the people that they have heard from.  

Dave Teague moved the Board approve the 2025-2026 Highly Capable District Plan, as presented. Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Dave Teague moved the Board approve the FSD General Fund Financial Donation, as presented. Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Dave Teague and the Board expressed their gratitude to the anonymous donor as that type of support makes such a significant impact for our kids and community.

Bill Morphy moved the Board approve the FFA Field Trip - March 2026, as presented.  Nate Talbott seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Dave Teague moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 1005 - 1st Reading - Key Functions of the Board, as presented.  Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Dave Teague moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 1630 - 1st Reading - Evaluation of the Superintendent, as presented.  Nate Talbott seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Dave Teague moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 1820 - 1st Reading - Evaluation of the Board, as presented.  Nate Talbott seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Dave Teague moved the Board approve Board Policy No. 5400 - 1st Reading - Personnel Leaves, as presented.  Danielle Santman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Future Board Meetings

• The next board meeting will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM.  
• The following meetings will be on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM, and Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM. 

Certified:                    Wynn Clarke-Nelson – Substitute Teacher

Classified:                  Sydney Beach – Substitute Paraeducator

                                    Amy Jones – Substitute Child Nutritionist III (Server) – pending OSPI                                                     clearance

                                    Joanne Moyer – Retirement – MS Secretary (effective end of 2025-2026                                               school year) 

Extracurricular:         Sierra McGarity – Resignation - MS Head 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach

                                    Kyle Monasmith – MS Head 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach

                                    Sierra McGarity – MS Head 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach

                                    Teagan Mahre – MS Head 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach

                                    Jenna Williamson – HS JV/Assistant Girls Softball Coach

                                    Chelsie Day – Resignation – HS JV/Assistant Volleyball Coach

                                    Jake Pottratz – Resignation – HS JV/Assistant Baseball Coach

                                    Joe Nunley – MS Head 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach

Dave Teague moved the Board approve the Personnel Action - addendum, as presented.  Bill Morphy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The board moved into Executive Session at 5:17 PM for the purpose set forth in RCW 42.30.110, specifically the following: to evaluate a public employee or review or review of the performance of employees, including the Superintendent Mid-Year Evaluation.  Such session is estimated to be approximately 1 hour in length. Annie Keebler stated there is action anticipated after the session. 

The Board returned to open session at 6:05 PM.   

Dave Teague moved the Board approve the Superintendent Mid-Year Evaluation.  Nate Talbott seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 

Recording Secretary _______________________________________

Board Secretary ___________________________________________

Board Chair _______________________________________________